Disability Attorney Fees
Many types of attorneys require a retainer or charge up-front fees for their services – disability lawyers do not. We, like most disability advocates and attorneys, work on a contingency basis. That means we will only be paid when we win your case.
How Much Are the Fees?
It doesn’t matter if you are filing for disability benefits under SSDI or SSI, the Social Security Administration will pay us directly as part of the settlement process. All fees in these types of cases must be approved by the SSA when a disability case is won. Fees are limited to 25% of the back benefits that you are awarded, with a maximum (fee cap) of $6,000. We will never charge additional attorney’s fees – even when we represent you at a hearing.
Our fee is paid directly out of any back-dated benefits you are awarded. The money will be deducted from your first disability check (awarded backpay) before the SSA sends it out to you. For example, if your awarded back benefits are $3,000, we will receive $750 (25%), and you will receive a check for $2,250. If you are awarded $30,000 in back benefits, we will receive $6,000 ($7,500 = 25% – however the fee is capped at a maximum of $6,000).
If no past-due benefits are paid, we will not receive a fee. However, there are a few situations, including this one, when attorneys are allowed to submit a fee petition to the Social Security Administration to request payment. If SSA approves the petition we submit, the payment will be made directly to us – you will not pay any portion of the fee.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
During the process of representation, we often must request medical, work, and school records. You will be responsible for any fees incurred for record requisitions, as well as nominal charges for copying and postage. If we need to send you to a medical or psychological specialist for evaluation, which can be expensive, you will receive that bill after your case has concluded. (We don’t incur expert expenses without your approval, in advance.) You will need to pay for these costs separately from the fee we collect from SSA.
How Disability Backpay is Calculated
Once your disability claim is approved, the SSA will calculate the amount of backpay you are entitled to. For SSDI, retroactive benefits will include the benefits you are owed from the date SSA determined your disability began up to your approval date (a maximum of 12 months prior to the date of your application). SSI back benefits are calculated from the date of your approval back to the month after your application.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer to Help you with Your Claim for Social Security Disability – Denver, CO
Once again, the most any disability attorney is generally allowed to charge is 25% of your backpay, up to the maximum of $6,000. Nevertheless, hiring a qualified disability attorney increases your chances of winning your case and recovering the backpay you deserve.
As one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyers in Denver, Thomas A. Feldman is prepared to help you win the benefits you are entitled to. Request your free consultation today.
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